Not exactly an epic ride, but it looks like a pretty cool way to see the Big Apple. I'm looking for any advice for an out-of-towner. Things like good places to try to find accomodations, where to park, anything!

I did the bike NY in 2000. It was a neat experience. The highlight to me was going over the Verrazano narrows bridge. I don't really think it was such a good way to see the city though. Why? You're riding with upwards of 40,000 other cyclists. Basically roads are blocked off and this huge pack of cyclists winds it's way across the five boroughs like a parade. Don't get me wrong it's cool riding with all those cyclists, but you have to always keep your eyes on what everyone else is doing. I did it on a roadbike and by the end of the ride the crotch of my hands were aching from riding on the hoods the whole time. Also a group this big needs alot of space. So often we were riding on highways and such.

As for my suggestions. Well, we parked in Staten Island and took the ferry over to Manhattan to the start of the ride. This worked out nicely as the ride ends in Staten Island and then most people wait in a huge line to take the ferry back over to Manhattan, we were able to avoid this line. Accomodations? I don't know. I bet most places are already booked for that weekend. I would suggest taking plenty of water with you. The rest stops were well stocked, but there were lines to get your bottles refilled.

I hope I haven't seemed too negative about the ride. I had alot of fun as did my brother, who isn't much of a cyclist. I'm glad I did it, I just don't think I'll do it again.

I've done that ride a few times its a lot of fun.
as for accomdations I would stay in new jersey in a hotel near the
Goerge Washingtion Bridge and bike to the start of the ride.
holiday Inn 201.944.5000
Radisson hotel englewood 201.871.2020
of couse you could stay in the city. you may have to pay more.
when you come out this way let me know. I would be glad to show you around. and have you meet some people who will be riding in that event.

My wife and I rode the Five Boro Ride in 2000. We had friends to stay with, so can't help you in that department. We went to the starting area and just sat there for about an hour. It just wasn't moving with 30K+ bikes. So, we went to another street and rode up to Central park and joined the ride there.

Somewhere on the route we heard a band playing, so stopped and had a beer and listened for a while, that was fun.

In many ways, it was fun and exciting and we're glad we did it. But we don't plan on doing it again. Problems:

- Hammerheads weaving through the bikes at speed. And many inexperienced riders, that were subject to do anything.

- Some of the ride was in interesting places, but most of it was in 'blighted' areas.

- While Doing the mile long climb up the Verrazano Narrows bridge was a bit of a challenge, it was white-knuckle time going down that fast with all those rides around you (many inexperienced).

We waited for the ferry from Staton Island for three hours in 93 degree heat with little shade - no fun.

But overall we enjoyed our trip to NYC. The day before the ride, we rode around the city, along the river paths and up to the top of the Brooklyn bridge. We stopped up there to take pictures. Just the other day we were looking at the picture we had someone shoot of us with the WTC towers in the background. Who could have known they would be gone a year and a half later.

In 1984 I was working at Sperry Great Neck for 10 weeks. I rode the bike to Flushing Meadows and took the subway in from there. I had a folding 3 speed with me. When I registered somebody said anyone with strange a bike was to go to the front, so he gave me a pass which saved me a lot of waiting and struggling with the traffic at the beginning.

I really enjoyed the ride, provided you just go with the flow of the traffic. Take plenty of water. There were several places where I was kept waiting a long time, but they were just opportunities to chat with the people around me.

In the 10 weeks I was there, I had great fun biking around the city and out to Teddy Roosevelt's place on Long Island. The people were most friendly.

I have taken that ride several times, We all used mountain bikes some with road tires, I agree with parking in staten island near the ferry or Fort Wadsworth. Take your camera and take your time. My favorite park of the ride is when your on the BQE, Brooklyn Queeens Expressway, you ride along the east river with Manhatten across from you. Probably one of my favoite views, (urban). You might want to stay on the outskirts, but if you want to party, grab something in the city.
You will see things you never saw before, but one thing is certain, you will see a lot of stupid people on bikes, this is urban riding w/o the cars. rest stops are great. The bridge inti Staten Island at the end is the biggest hill, bring spare parts,